Salvation

So, Little Tot has been randomly coming out with some strange sayings lately. Like yesterday, when her older sister was calling her to come and play, her response was "I can't. My meetings not done yet". Or after dinner last night when she left the table and said "I have to go throw up now" (thanks, kid:). However, today was the best because she said "Can I go to heaven? Please may I go to heaven please?" So, I decided to probe a bit and ask a few more questions. Next thing I knew, Little Tot, as only a two year old can, asked Jesus to forgive her sins/bad stuff she does, and come live in her heart, and let her go to heaven (that part was all her :). Does she fully 'get it'? No, but do I? Who can fully comprehend what Christ with His ultimate sacrifice did for us? For now, she gets that Jesus lives in her heart and she wants to make Him happy so she can go to heaven. I'll take it and treasure this moment forever.

Nighttime Parenting

So, I got the chance to remind myself that parenting is a FULL-TIME job last night. Little Guy has had a rough couple of nights lately but last night was the worst. For the first time in my parenting life, I had to get out of bed and walk/bounce for about an hour... twice. I know, lots of parents do that, but between co-sleeping and nursing on demand, I never have had to do that. I have always been able to get away with bouncing in the bed or laying my little one across my belly. And, ashamed though I am to admit it, I was not a happy camper. I desperately need every wink of sleep I can squeeze out of a night, so having to get up and deal with a screaming baby was not my idea of fun.

Funny thing is that parents get to gain a whole new appreciation for God in parenting. God describes Himself as our Heavenly Father, so He knows what it is like to have to be available at all hours. He doesn't sign off at night to have some 'me' time. He doesn't leave us to our own devices because 'now isn't a good time', and I don't see where He lets us 'cry it out' alone and unanswered. Nope. He is the perfect parent. He cares for us when we are needy, in pain, lonely, cranky, tired, or sick. And, I'm pretty sure He doesn't get as frustrated as I can when doing it.

So, I got to practice once again last night. I got to grow a bit more in grace, and I got to see how God loves us unconditionally - even if we cost Him a night's sleep (yes, I know He doesn't sleep but it was such a nice end to this entry....).

Attachment parenting

So, I read a blog entry today about attachment parenting that perfectly captured my practice of it. I do consider myself to be an attachment parent (we co-sleep, baby-wear, cloth diaper, breastfeed exclusively, allow the child to wean at his/her own pace, seek to meet my baby's needs quickly and lovingly). However, I know a lot of AP parents who don't seem to be able to figure out how to set limits in their parenting. I firmly believe that kids need limits that are LOVINGLY enforced by parents. This is not a case of parents versus kids or 'you WILL obey me or else..'. No, this is a relational based approach to parenting. In the early years, we focus on building trust and relationship with our kids that lays the foundation for the times when we have to correct them. Even in correction, I try to remember that my child is not the enemy - the behavior is the problem. So, I seek to work WITH my child to address the issues at hand. All the while, we keep building that trust base. I want to connect with my children at a heart level and I don't want to be 'surviving' motherhood - I want to thrive and grow with my children. Some days are more successful than others, but I can honestly say that I fully enjoy my days with my kids. I love being a mom and miss my kiddos when they can't be around. I couldn't imagine it any other way.